The 45-day Mahakam celebration in India 144 years later highlighted how digital technology can be placed in optimal use, apart from being a spiritual and religious sight.
Modern technology transforms the management of such mega-events, seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and digital platforms to enhance the pilgrim experience. The deployment of AI-powered CCTV cameras and facial recognition systems encouraged surveillance efforts, with government machines monitoring crowd concentration and detecting irregularities in real time.
Enhanced Security
We have strengthened security measures through drones and air-based perspectives to avoid potential security threats. With technological innovation, monitoring crowd flow and congestion levels has become feasible for immediate intervention.
Predictive analytics has been adopted to predict crowd flow, allowing authorities to implement aggressive strategies. The application of RFID wristbands streamlined followers’ tracking and ensured that travel within the site was observed efficiently. For vehicle supervision, an e-pass was issued to control traffic congestion. These technical interventions sought to provide a safer experience for the pilgrims.
Health services continue to be one of the major issues in religious places. To address this, telehealth and mobile clinic services were available in Mahakumbh.
Wearable health monitoring devices further enhance medical preparation by tracking vital signs in older adults and high-risk individuals. IoT-enabled dust bins and AI-driven waste separation systems enable efficient and sustainable waste management. Interestingly, these smart dust bins will fully alert government machines, confirm timely disposal and maintain hygiene. The environmentally friendly initiative has significantly reduced plastic waste. Additionally, the smart water management system prevents waste and at the same time provides clean water to its followers.
Mahakumbh Spirity Gathering also became a hub for economic activity, promoting local artisans and businesses.
Integration with UPI-based payments ensures that financial exchanges are cashless, seamless and secure. The digital market was also set up to introduce traditional crafts to global audiences.
e-commerce in Mera The venue helped pilgrims have easy access to important services, including accommodation bookings. These digital facilities pave the way for economic inclusion and empowerment of small business units during spiritual gatherings.
For many followers who were unable to attend Mera Directly, authorities arranged a 360-degree virtual tour. They were able to witness the grandeur of the event from the luxury of their reception rooms. And to make it even more interesting and engaging, cultural storytelling based on augmented reality was also underway. This e-storytelling provided pilgrims with an immersive experience of important historical and mythical events.
In the age of digital media, the importance of social media in amplifying celebrations cannot be underestimated. Live streaming of events on YouTube and Facebook has brought wonders in terms of enabling millions of people to participate in virtually spiritual experiences.
As technology continues to advance, events such as the Mahakamb are becoming increasingly immersive and inclusive.
The combination of AI, IoT, VR and digital platforms not only strengthen logistics, but maintains tradition while embracing modernity.
Chakraborty is an associate professor at the Bengaluru Presidential University School of Management. Biswal is an associate professor at the Journalism and Mass Communications Department, Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar.
